Card Range To Study

20 Cards in this Set

Modifications or changes made for the better, such as amendments to the U.S. Constitutuion

Appeals

Requests to a higher court to review or revise decisions made by lower court.

Appellate courts

Referred to as the higher courts of the judicial system; hear appeals from lower trial courts.

Arrest

Taking a person into custody in a case, and in the manner authorized by the law

Arrainment

Legal procedures where the court informs defendants of the nature of the charges against them and of their constitutional rights to have counsel, to plead guilty, and to have a jury trial.

Bail

A security deposited with a competent court or magistrate to ensure that the accused person will appeal for trial when summoned.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Competent Court

Any court, civil or criminal, having authority to handle a particular case.

Constitution

A written document that embodies the basic laws of a nation or state.

Due Process

A course of legal proceedings according to the rules and principals which have been establishd by the government; basic rights of a defendant in judicial proceedings and the requisites for a fair trial.

Grand Jury

A body of a set number of citizens from within the county who are sworn to recieve complaints and accusation in criminal cases; responsible for determining if there is sufficient cause to believe a person has committed a crime and should be made to stand trial.

Indictment

An accusation in writing formally chargingof a person with a crime or public offence.

Magistrate

An officer of the court having power to issue a warrant for the arrest of a person charged with a public offense.

Parole

A conditional release from confinement which allows an individual to serve the remainder of a sentance outside of prison.

Preliminary Hearing

A screening proceduer used in a felony cases to determine if there is enough evidence to hold a defendant for trial.

Probation

A sentancing option for an individual convicted of a criminal offence.

Right to bail

A defendant's constitutional right to reasonable bail to permit the unhampered preporation of a defense before trial.

Sentencing

A judgment that is formally pronounced by the court upon a defendant after conviction in a criminal trial.